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Let’s Get Serious: Just Jokes or Inappropriate? The Challenge of Raising Kids in a Viral Era - Hot Topics & TikTok Dances

Lately, I’ve been floored by how desensitized we’ve become to things that used to shock us. Serious topics get treated like punchlines, and instead of focusing on the real issues—like the fact that we have an election coming up in less than 45 days!!! News outlets are busy discussing "freak-offs" like it’s normal conversation. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Where did the professionalism go? As someone who used to work in news, it’s wild to see how much things have changed. TV and social media feel like one big reality show now, and throw AI into the mix, and its hard to tell what’s real anymore.


What really gets me is seeing parents and adults on the TikTok dancing alongside their young kids to songs full of cuss words and suggestive lyrics for likes, especially that Bossman DLow one..."SMH!" Or, watching skits and shows that used to be for "adults only" now being reproduced for content and likes by kids. 

But then, we turn around and act surprised when these same behaviors from the lyrics we've consumed and actions from the shows we watch, pop up in real life. We are so shocked when they show up in people who we’ve placed on pedestals and admired to the point that we will defend them - a 'celebrity stranger' more than a loved one. The truth is, what we consume and engage with—whether it’s on TV or social media—has a huge impact on our kids and our culture and society as a whole, even if we don’t want to recognize or admit it.

Kids, especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha, are the first generations growing up entirely in this digital age. They’re soaking up everything—from influencers, to consumer goods, trending topics to the news and not to mention all the opinions—with and without a filter sometimes all within a matter of minutes. What’s that going to mean for them down the road? What will it mean for all of us? 

I often wonder about the kids of influencers, who are constantly being filmed and posted online, sometimes from the moment they’re born. What kind of impact is this going to have on them as they grow up? These kids are essentially living their entire lives in the public eye, without really having a say. What are the long-term effects on their mental health, sense of privacy, and even their ability to form a personal identity outside of the digital spotlight.

It’s time we really start reflecting and checking ourselves. Instead of turning everything into a joke or a meme, we need to get real. Some things are worth taking seriously. Now, I’m not a very serious person at all, and I’m the first to see the funny side of life, but there’s a time and a place. There’s an adult world and a kids’ world—or at least there should be—and that should never be compromised for views or likes. It’s one thing to enjoy a good laugh, but it’s another when we let the lines blur between what’s appropriate for us and what’s appropriate for our kids. At the end of the day, they’re watching and learning from everything we do, and it’s up to us to set the boundaries. 

Here’s what we can do:

1. Check what’s on the screen – Whether it’s TV or TikTok, be mindful of what’s playing and how it’s shaping your kids’ views.

2. Lead by example – Our kids are watching us. If we’re glued to social media, they’ll think it’s normal. Let’s show them there’s more to life than what’s on a screen. We also want to make sure we are consuming content that is age-appropriate for them.

3. Talk about it – Have open discussions about what they’re seeing online and on TV and what’s going on in the world. I think CNN News 10 and NBC Nightly News Kids Edition is ideal for this!! Talk, encourage questions, offer perspective.

4. Create boundaries – Set boundaries for how much exposure they have to certain content. Not everything needs to be seen or heard. Say, “No.” Block it! Restrict it!!

5. Viral dances are not always cool – Just because a dance trend is popular doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for everyone, especially kids and even for you to do with your kids. You may think they don’t fully understand the lyrics or the meaning behind the moves, but, as a former teacher, kids know WAY more than you think and they’re absorbing everything. Watch out for what they’re engaging with and make sure it’s age-appropriate. I love some TikTok and trust there are plenty of "safe" songs. 

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